Curved beam aircraft passenger seat

ABSTRACT

A beam for a passenger seat has a hollow body including several spaced-apart frame mounting portions each defining a cross-section for being mounted to a seat frame. Seat portions are disposed between consecutive ones of the frame mounting portions and define a second cross-section for being mounted to a seat base disposed centrally below adjacent pairs of seat frames. The body is curved such that the seat portions are laterally downwardly offset from the frame mounting portions.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an aircraft passenger seat, particularly an aircraft passenger seat in which a single structural beam extends laterally across the front of the seat. Aircraft passenger seats are typically constructed from modular components, the size, weight and construction of which are dictated by many considerations, including fuselage dimensions, aesthetic and safety considerations. Many of these requirements are imposed by law or regulation. The lower seat chassis is constructed of leg modules, while the upper seat is constructed of section assembly modules. In prior art seating systems the leg modules and section assembly modules are connected by mounting both to a pair of parallel beams that extend laterally from one side of the seat or seat assembly to the other. This arrangement of the supporting structure of the seat increases the seat's weight and limits the available space for passengers.

Accordingly, there is a need for a passenger seat that has enhanced space, simplified design, and lighter weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned need is meet by the present invention, which according to one embodiment, provides a beam for a passenger seat comprising a hollow body having at least three mounting portions defining a first cross-section for being mounted to a first seat frame, and at least two seat portions disposed between consecutive ones of the frame mounting portions and defining a second cross-section for being mounted to a seat base disposed centrally below consecutive ones of the first and second seat frames. The body is curved such that the central portions are laterally downwardly offset from said mounting portions.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first and second cross-sections of the beam are generally oval.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the first cross-section of a seat beam comprises a plurality of sides and the second cross-section of the seat beam is generally oval.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the body of the beam comprises carbon fibers.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a metallic cellular truss core material is disposed in the body of the beam.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the body of the beam comprises aluminum.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the body of the beam comprises an amorphous alloy.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a passenger seat frame assembly comprises at least three spaced-apart seat frames, each of which defines a curved shape corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and defines a frame mounting point. At least one seat base for being attached to a supporting surface is provided, each of the seat bases having a beam mounting point disposed centrally between and lower than the frame mounting points. A beam comprises a hollow body having at least three mounting portions spaced along the length thereof, each of the beam mounting points defining a first cross-section and at least two seat portions disposed between consecutive ones of said mounting portions second cross-section. The body is curved such that the seat portion is laterally downwardly offset from the mounting portions, and each of the mounting portions is attached to one of the seat mounting points. At least one of the seat portions is attached to one of said beam mounting points.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a passenger seat comprises at least three spaced-apart seat frames, each of the seat frames defining a curved shape corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and defining a frame mounting point. At least two seat bases are provided for being attached to a supporting surface, each of the seat bases having a beam mounting point disposed centrally between and lower than the frame mounting points. A beam comprises a hollow body having at least three mounting portions spaced along the length thereof, each of the mounting portions defining a first cross-section, and a seat portion disposed between each adjacent pair of mounting portions and defining a second cross-section. The body is curved such that each of the seat portions is laterally downwardly offset from the mounting portions. Each of the mounting portions of the beam is attached to one of the frame mounting points, and at least one of the seat portions is attached to said beam mounting point. A diaphragm is positioned under tension between each pair of seat frames for providing a continuous seat bottom and seat back support surface for a seat occupant.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a passenger seat frame assembly comprises first and second seat frames, each of which defines a curved shape corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and seat back. A seat base for being attached to a supporting surface is disposed centrally between the first and second seat frames. A first beam comprises a hollow body having a first end attached to the first seat frame, a second end attached to the second seat frame, and a central portion disposed between the first and second ends. The central portion of the first beam is attached to the seat base. A baggage guard rail extends between the first and second seat frames, such that the baggage guard rail is loaded in tension and the first beam is loaded in compression.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the passenger seat frame assembly further comprises a second beam extending between the first and second seat frames. The second beam is loaded in tension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding part of the specification. The invention, however, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three-seat assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is front view of the seat assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a seat frame assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along lines 4—4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing an alternative construction of the beam;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a beam according the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7—7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a view taken along lines 8—8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a view taken along lines 9—9 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a seat beam according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a seat frame assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a seat frame assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view showing a portion of a seat frame assembly and a seat beam according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the seat beam shown in FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a three-seat set according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and shown generally at reference numeral 10 and comprises individual joined seats 10A, 10B, 10C that are movable from an upright to a recline position without encroaching on an aft-seated passenger. This type of seating is conventionally referred to as “coach” or “main cabin” seating as distinct from larger and more complex first class or business class seating. As will be seen below, the features of this invention are also applicable to first and business class seating. The seat set 10 includes a seat base 11. The seat base 11 includes a pair of leg assemblies 12 and 13 for being attached to a supporting surface by means of conventional track fittings such as disclosed in applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,776,533; 5,169,091 and 5,871,318. Four seat frames 14, 15, 16 and 17 are connected by single laterally-extending beam 18. A baggage guard rail 19 prevents baggage stowed under the seats 10A, 10B, 10C from sliding forward into the leg area of the passengers.

The beam 18 represents a radical departure from conventional seat design, where a pair of parallel fore-and aft beams provide support to the entire seat structure. The beam 18 is oval in cross-section and downwardly curved laterally across the front of each of the seats 10A, 10B, 1C. This combination of the oval cross-section and the curve provides sufficient strength to support the entire on the leg assemblies 12 and 13, thus eliminating the need for a second beam.

Each seat 10A, 10B, 10C thus includes a pair of the shared, laterally spaced-apart seat frames 14, 15, 16 and 17, each of which has a curved shape generally corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate generally horizontal seat bottom and generally vertical seat back, and includes an extension to the floor. Arm rests 22, 23, 24 and 25 are pivotally-mounted on respective seat frames 14, 15, 16 and 17.

Each of the seats 10A, 10B, 10C, has a diaphragm 48 in the form of a fabric seat suspension material. The material 48 provides a seating surface and is stretched undertension onto curved, semi-rigid diaphragm supports (not shown) which are carried by seat frames in alignment with the curved shape of the seat frames.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of a seat frame assembly. The seat frame assembly includes first, second, third, and forth spaced-apart seat frames labeled 50, 52, 54 and 56, respectively. A single tubular, curved beam 58 connects the seat frames. The beam 58 passes through mounting points which are defined by openings 60 formed through the seat frames. The beam 58 is similar in construction to the beam 18 described above and includes a plurality of spaced-apart mounting portions 62. A seat portion 64 is disposed between each pair of mounting portions 62. The beam 58 is curved such that seat portions 64 are laterally downwardly offset from the mounting portions 62. The beam 58 may be secured to the seat frames by any known method, for example by interference fit, welding, or adhesives.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the beam 58 shown in FIG. 3. The beam 58 comprises a body having a hollow interior. The body may be constructed of a material selected to give adequate strength and low weight, for example a carbon-fiber containing composite material. To increase the strength and stiffness of the beam 58, a low-density filler may be disposed inside the hollow body. One suitable filler is a metallic cellular truss core material 66 as depicted in FIG. 4. the cellular truss core material 66 is of a known type comprising a three-dimensional matrix of struts 68 connected at nodes 70 to create a low-density structural material. The cellular truss core material 66 may be joined to the inner surface of the beam 58, for example with an adhesive. It is also possible that the beam 58 may be left hollow and made of a different material, such as aluminum. An example of a beam constructed in this manner is shown in FIG. 5.

The beam 58 may also be constructed of an amorphous alloy of a known type. An amorphous alloy is an alloy which is glass-like in structure, lacking a crystalline lattice. Amorphous alloys have certain advantages over conventional alloys, for example they are capable of exhibiting yield strength greater than titanium, while having a weight and cost similar to aluminum. Amorphous alloys are resistant to work hardening and they can be formed into complex shapes in a manner similar to injection molding. One example of a suitable amorphous alloy has the following approximate composition, in weight percent: 41.2 zirconium, 22.5 beryllium, 13.8 titanium, 12.5 copper, nickel 10.0. Such alloys are available from Liquidmetal Technologies, Tampa, Fla. 33602 USA.

FIG. 6 shows a seat frame assembly incorporating an alternate embodiment of a seat beam. The beam 72 (which is shown in more detail in FIG. 10) has several spaced-apart mounting portions 74 each defining a first cross-section, and several seat portions 76 defining a second cross-section. As with the beam described above, the seat portions 76 of the beam 72 are laterally downwardly offset with respect to the mounting portions 74. The first cross-sections of the beam 72, shown in FIG. 7, are of a triangular shape in the illustrated example. This triangular shape is complimentary to triangular openings 78 in the seat frames 80. This provides an anti-rotation effect between the beam 72 and the seat frame 80. The seat portions 76 define a second cross-section which is generally oval, as shown in FIG. 8. The beam 72 has a minimum vertical extent at this location, which in conjunction with the lateral downward offset provides the greatest possible clearance under the seat. The cross-sectional shape of the beam 72 gradually varies between the generally oval shape at the seat portion 76 and the triangular mounting portions 74. A representative intermediate cross-section which has a plurality of curved sides is shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 shows yet another alternate embodiment of a seat beam. The beam 82 has first and second ends 84 and 86 defining a first cross-section and a seat portion 88 defining a second cross-section. Like the beams described above, the seat portion 88 of the beam 82 is laterally downwardly offset with respect to the first and second ends. The first cross-section of the beam 82 is of a 4-sided polygonal shape in the illustrated example. This polygonal shape is received in complimentary V-shaped openings 90 in each of the seat frames 92, as shown in FIG. 13. The seat portion 88 has a second cross-section which is generally oval.

FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment of the seat frame assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention. The seat frame assembly 100 includes a first beam 102 which extends between spaced-apart seat frames 104, 106 and 108. The first beam 102 has a generally oval cross-section and is not curved. The first beam 102 may be constructed in similar fashion to the beams described above. For example, the first beam 102 may have a hollow body constructed of a material such as a carbon-fiber composite which is filled with a cellular truss core material. The seat frame assembly also includes a baggage guard rail 110 extending between the seat frames. In the illustrated example, the seat frame assembly is put together such that a desired preload is applied to the lateral members. The first beam 102 is loaded in compression, while the baggage guard rail 110 is loaded in tension. This may be accomplished by applying a stress to the seat frame members before final assembly. For example, the first beam 102 may be secured to the seat frames, then the entire seat frame assembly may be subjected to a clamping force pushing the seat frames 104 and 108 towards each other while the baggage guard rail 100 is installed and secured to the seat frames, then the clamping force may be released, resulting in a tension preload on the baggage guard rail 110. FIG. 11 illustrates a seat frame assembly 200 similar to the one shown in FIG. 12 which includes a first beam 202, a baggage guard rail 210, and a second beam 212 extending between spaced-apart seat frames 204, 206, and 208. The second beam 212 may be of similar construction to the first beam 102. The second beam 212 may be installed so at to be pre-loaded in tension in the same manner as the baggage guard rail described above.

A passenger seat is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims. 

1. A beam for a passenger seat, comprising: a hollow body having at least three spaced-apart mounting portions each defining a first cross-section for being mounted to spaced-apart seat frames, and at least two seat portions disposed between consecutive ones of said frame mounting portions and defining a second cross-section for being mounted to a seat base disposed centrally below consecutive ones of said seat frames, said body being curved such that said seat portions are laterally downwardly offset from said mounting portions.
 2. The beam according to claim 1, wherein said first cross-section comprises a plurality of sides and said second cross-section is generally oval.
 3. The beam according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises carbon fibers.
 4. The beam according to claim 1, wherein a metallic cellular truss core material is disposed in said body.
 5. The beam according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises aluminum.
 6. The beam according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises an amorphous alloy.
 7. A passenger seat frame assembly comprising: at least three spaced-apart seat frames, each of said seat frames defining a curved shape corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and defining a frame mounting point; at least one seat base for being attached to a supporting surface, each of said seat bases having a beam mounting point disposed centrally between and lower than said first and second frame mounting points; and a beam comprising a hollow body having at least three mounting portions spaced along the length thereof, each of said beam mounting portions defining a first cross-section, and at least two seat portions disposed between consecutive ones of said mounting portions and defining a second cross-section, wherein said body is curved such that said seat portions are laterally downwardly offset from said mounting portions, and wherein each of said mounting portions is attached to one of said seat mounting points and at least one of said seat portions is attached to one of said beam mounting points.
 8. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein said first cross-section of said beam comprises a plurality of sides and said second cross-section is generally oval.
 9. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein said body of said beam comprises carbon fibers.
 10. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein a metallic cellular truss core material is disposed in said body of said beam.
 11. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 7, wherein said body of said beam comprises aluminum.
 12. The beam according to claim 7, wherein said body comprises an amorphous alloy.
 13. The passenger seat frame assembly of claim 7 wherein each of said seat mounting points comprises an opening having a shape complementary to said first cross-section of said beam.
 14. A passenger seat comprising: at least three spaced-apart seat frames, each of said seat frames defining a curved shape corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and defining a frame mounting point; at least two seat bases for being attached to a supporting surface, each of said seat bases having a beam mounting point disposed centrally between and lower than said frame mounting points; a beam comprising a hollow body having at least three mounting portions spaced along the length thereof, each of said mounting portions defining a first cross-section, and a seat portion disposed between each adjacent pair of mounting portions and defining a second cross-section, wherein said body is curved such that each of said seat portions is laterally downwardly offset from said mounting portions, and wherein each of said mounting portions is attached to one of said frame mounting points, and at least one of said seat portions is attached to one of said beam mounting points; and a diaphragm positioned under tension between each pair of said seat frames for providing a continuous seat bottom and seat back support surface for a seat occupant.
 15. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 14, wherein said first and second cross-sections of said beam comprise a plurality of sides and said central cross-section is generally oval.
 16. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 14, wherein said body of said beam comprises carbon fibers.
 17. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 14, wherein a metallic cellular truss core material is disposed in said body of said beam.
 18. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 14, wherein said body of said beam comprises aluminum.
 19. The beam according to claim 14, wherein said body comprises an amorphous alloy.
 20. The passenger seat frame assembly of claim 14 wherein said first beam mounting point comprises an opening having a shape complementary to said first cross-section of said beam, and said second beam mounting point comprises an opening having a shape complementary to said second cross-section of said beam. 